The advent of the railway in the 1900’s most definitely cultivated and improved the prosperity of towns and villages around the country but it was the arrival of the stage coaches in the 17th century along with better road surfaces which aided a further rise in Bromley’s fortunes. By dividing their journeys into stages of approximately ten to fifteen miles in length, hence the naming of these vehicles, Bromley provided the perfect resting point. Therefore to make the most of this fruitful and lucrative market, coaching inns and hotels were swiftly constructed. The original Swan & Mitre, built in the early 19th century was an example of one such coaching inn along with its ubiquitous stabling facilities. However, with the arrival of the railway, travel would have been seen as relative luxury and comfort compared to the former stage coach journeys. Between 1858 and 1878 both railways stations, Bromley North and Bromley South had been built and with speed of travel continuing to increase, Bromley was further established as a paramount commutable location for the wealthier members of this exclusive town whereby it provided them with a rural retreat and one that was within easy reach of the capital. Over the course of time the population quickly expanded when working class people arrived in their hundreds from various parts of the country and the town of Bromley subsequently became home to all classes of society.
